As the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League winds down, a new generation of basketball talent has had the chance to shine. Among the many emerging stars, the 2024 draft class showcased their skills alongside second-year players and prospective talents, all vying for a place in the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Top Picks Making Their Mark
Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick by the Houston Rockets, proved his worth by averaging 20 points per game, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over the span of four games. His impressive performance on the court highlighted his potential to become a significant contributor to the Rockets' backcourt in the near future.
Conversely, Washington Wizards' forward Alex Sarr, who was chosen as the No. 2 overall pick, experienced a challenging outing with a game where he shot a dismal 0 of 15 from the floor. Despite this setback, Sarr managed to post an average of 5.5 points per game during his Summer League stint, showing glimpses of the talent that made him a high draft pick.
Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, had a more limited appearance, playing only two games. However, he was able to finish with an 11 of 27 shooting record, hinting at his potential impact for the Hawks when the regular season begins.
Notable Performances
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, faced struggles from beyond the arc, finishing 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, managed only a 1 of 10 performance from three-point range across three games. Despite these shooting woes, Salaun averaged 9.0 points per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute in other facets of the game.
Portland Trail Blazers' No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, showcased his defensive prowess by averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. Clingan also surprised many by making three three-pointers during the league, highlighting his versatility as a big man.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, delivered a standout performance by posting a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, marking him as a player to watch going forward.
Injury Woes and Resilient Comebacks
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, encountered a setback with an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Prior to his injury, Edey had recorded 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks during the Salt Lake City Summer League, showcasing his potential as a defensive anchor.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Nikola Topić and Sacramento Kings' Devin Carter were unable to participate due to a torn ACL and shoulder surgery, respectively, leading to understandable frustrations but also opportunities for recovery and growth.
Rising Talents and Impressive Showings
Carlton Carrington, the No. 14 pick by the Washington Wizards, turned heads with a robust showing of 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Bucks. Carrington, who recently turned 19, exemplified his ability to contribute on multiple fronts.
Utah Jazz's Cody Williams, their No. 10 pick, played in seven games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams exhibited efficiency by shooting 73.9% on shots in the paint, illustrating his scoring ability around the basket.
Stephon Castle had a noteworthy performance during his one game in the Las Vegas Summer League, tallying 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two three-pointers. Castle also played in three games during the California Classic, showing his adaptability and readiness for game-time action.
Final Thoughts
The Las Vegas Summer League has once again provided a stage for new and second-year players to prove themselves. While some draft picks faced challenges, others embraced the spotlight, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 NBA season. As eyes turn towards the regular season, these young talents will continue to develop and strive for greatness, eager to make their mark in the world of professional basketball.